The dynamic duo of DJ Aaron Carter and Stephen James Barry (aka Cirrus) displays an alluring split personality on Counterfeit, a collection of soulful alternative pop songs and club/dance tracks. The band’s newfound sex appeal blossoms with the addition of singer Laura Derby. Akin to Dido, Björk, Sade, and No Doubt, Derby’s presence affords Cirrus tremendous crossover appeal, especially in the cuts “Boomerang,” “Half a Cell,” and “You Are,” which are ready for prime time via infectious hooks, melodic harmonies, jazzy horn samples, and sultry grooves. “Dragon Lounge” displays the ensemble’s affinity for vintage funk by way of slap bass high in the mix and in-the-pocket backbeats evocative of Brothers Johnson, Funkadelic, and Larry Graham in their 1970s heyday. Skittering breakbeats mixed with classic rhythm & blues licks abound on offerings such as “Ghettoblaster” and “Breakbeat Suckers.” Don’t let the title fool you — Cirrus scores the real deal on Counterfeit. – Tom Semioli